Just a two-hour drive from Nairobi, on a good paved road, The Aberdare Country Club nestles on the slopes of Mweiga Hill, 2 km from Mweiga airfield, 15km from Nyeri airstrip and a forty minute drive from Nanyuki airstrip. All rooms and cottages have spectacular views of the plains below, the Aberdare Mountains to the west and Mount Kenya to the east.

With an enviable reputation for hospitality and excellent cuisine, the Club is a popular weekend resort for Nairobi residents. The Club's 1,300 acre wildlife sanctuary abounds with Thompson and Grant's Gazelle, Zebra, Giraffe and the more reclusive leopard.

You can walk or ride through this unspoilt paradise, play a round of golf - watched by a family of warthog, fish for trout , play tennis or just relax by the pool or in the beautiful gardens. 

Bedrooms and Cottages:     There are 28 twins and 18 double-bedded rooms, 36 of which are in cottages. A total of 107 guests can be catered for. The bedrooms are tastefully furnished and all have a private bathroom with shower.  The cottages have two bedrooms, each with interconnecting doors, and most have fireplaces. A balcony provides superb views of either Mount Kenya or a pretty woodland where bushbuck often come to graze.

Restaurant and Bars:     Offering first class cuisine with a selection of European, Asian and Kenyan dishes, the dining room is situated in the main building along with the lounge bar. 

Leisure:     There is a wide range of recreational facilities available including:  swimming pool with bar -  putting green  -  9-hole golf course  -  horse riding  -  tennis courts  - game sanctuary  -  safaris and sightseeing. The Club offers a choice of activities including:  game and safari walks  -   fishing  -  game drives in Mount Kenya National Park, Solio Ranch, Sweetwaters and the Salient within the Aberdare National Park  -  bush meals.

Health and Fitness:     The Club has constructed jogging and walking tracks in the Game Sanctuary, ranging from 1 to 4 kilometres long. As some of our staff members run in local marathons, health enthusiasts can now jog in the wilderness of our Sanctuary, in the company of our staff who is in radio communication with the Club.

Conferences:     A popular venue for conferences, a choice of four rooms is available. The rooms will accommodate groups of 10 to 100 people depending on the layout. Each room is equipped with a full range of audio-visual equipment. The Aberdare Country Club also has a business centre offering e-mail, internet browsing, secretarial and photocopying facilities.

Weddings:   Being located in a Private Game Sanctuary is a blessing in more ways than one. It is the perfect location for weddings. The Aberdare Country Club has dealt with more resident weddings than almost any other property in Kenya, and as such, our management has a wealth of experience in making sure the most special day of your life remains your most memorable.

  |  Bush Banquet  |  Bush Cocktail  |

As the Aberdare Country Club is located in a private 1300-acre sanctuary, we can arrange fantastic meals and cocktails in the bush. With a little advance warning, we can organise special menus, receptions, banquets or galas to suit individual clients' needs. The descriptions of our Bush Banquets and Bush Cocktails can be found below. We can also cater for game walks ending in a bush breakfast, picnic lunches and we can arrange any event you wish to have.

Drinks Special welcome punches/cocktails (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) can be arranged on request.

Celebrations, anniversaries, birthdays, weddings and other parties can be celebrated in style with a festive ambience created by the melding of an appropriate decor and menu. Cakes can be presented with a grand entrance upon prior arrangement.

Fruit, Flowers and Cakes are available on request.

Theme Events:

Bush Banquet (please refer to following description).

Bush Cocktails (please refer to following description).

Salient Picnic.

Bongo’s Brunch (please refer under "The Ark" Incentive Activities).

Noah’s Lunch (please refer under "The Ark" Incentive Activities).

Barbeques by the Poolside

Sanctuary Brunch

DESCRIPTIONS

BUSH BANQUET  (Maximum : 100 persons Minimum : 12 - subject to weather)

Take an evening game drive in one of our 4-wheel drive vehicles through our private game sanctuary of 1,300 acres, where there is every chance of seeing leopard as well as all kinds of plains game - gazelle, hartebeest, wildebeest, impala, perhaps even red duiker. Our vehicles all have spotlights to help pinpoint animals; at this time of the evening, it is easier to see the shy nocturnal creatures which vanish as the sun rises. Catch a glimpse of porcupine, genet cat, jackal, or even the extraordinary looking aardvark.

The drive will take about 45 minutes. Our bush banquet is always held under the stars, weather permitting! Flaming torches and a crackling log fire throw their light on nearby tables. Set with crisp linen, candles and decorated with beautiful wild flowers of the area, this elegant setting is in stark contrast to its surroundings. Clusters of thorn trees and bushes, the chorus of typical African night-noises and a star-studded sky keep you company during your meal.  Before the five-course dinner, hot and cold canapés are served around the camp fire. Smiling, attentive waiters offer tropical cocktails, typical of those served many decades ago to Kenya’s safari pioneers.  A typical menu comprises of:

There will be a full bar.  After supper, the camp fire beckons again, where Kenyan and imported liqueurs are served and more tales swapped. Stay as long as you wish, and enjoy the incomparable beauty of the African night. There will be a vehicle waiting ready when you are, to take you back to the Club.

BUSH COCKTAILS (Maximum: 100 persons Minimum: 12 persons. subject to weather)

In the Aberdare Country Club’s private game sanctuary, after an evening game drive in our 4-wheel drive vehicles, you will be driven to a peaceful glade in the forest illuminated by flaming torches and a huge log fire. The sounds of dusk are all around you as the air cools after the heat of the day. Around the fire, attentive and smiling waiters serve hot and cold canapés and tropical cocktails, typical of those served many decades ago to Kenya’s safari pioneers. When you are ready, or the bar has run dry (!), our vehicles will return you to the Aberdare Country Club in time for a hot bath and dinner.

GENERAL FACILITIES

RECREATION FACILITIES

We offer various leisure activities and safaris, excursions and activities at the club.

LEISURE ACTIVITIES AT THE CLUB

Board games   Board games and playing cards are available from the Bar.

Golf    The nine-hole golf course was professionally designed.  It is a tight but fun course, visited not only by golfers but also by zebra, duiker and warthog. Green fees are not payable for residents and members of the Club. Golf clubs are available for hire. Balls can be purchased from the shop.

Horse riding    5 horses are available for riding by guests into the Sanctuary, accompanied by the syce. This is an exciting mode of game viewing, as one can get much closer than if on foot or in a vehicle. Two ponies are available for children to ride.

Putting Club guests can use the putting green free of charge. Putters are available for hire, and balls can be purchased.

Running tracks Running tracks ranging from 4 to 10 kilometres make walking, running or jogging within the Sanctuary a great healthy option.

Swimming The rectangular swimming pool set below the main building is manned by an attendant from 07:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Changing rooms have shower stalls. The surrounds of the pool are ideal for cocktail parties from 15 to 100 people.

Satima Room   There is a satellite TV in this room where videos, as well as other programmes are available.

Tennis The Club has 2 paved tennis courts, which residents of the Club use free of charge. Tennis racquets are available for hire. Balls can be purchased at the shop.

Trout fishing This is done at the River Honi adjacent to the Club grounds. Please enquire at the reception for rods and licences. Please refer under "Excursions" for fishing in the Aberdares.

EXCURSIONS & SAFARIS FROM THE CLUB

National Park Entry All residents of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are obliged to have a valid Kenya Wildlife Service "Smart Card". These are obtainable from KWS and are free of charge. Entry will not be allowed into the Park without the Smart Card for residents.

Sanctuary Walking Safari Guided game walks in the Sanctuary are scheduled daily at 09:00 a.m. and 03.00 p.m. Clients are escorted by a naturalist which makes for a very interesting 2 hour walk, as the expert is a mine of information about the animals. Emphasis is placed on the flora and fauna, the bird-life, insects and the ecosystem. If guests wish to take these escorted walks at a time different than scheduled, this can be organised at reception.

Game Rides Riding on horses through the Sanctuary gives you a unique vantage point, as you can get very close to the animals. Book through reception, keeping in mind that the last ride is at 04.00 p.m.

Night Game Drives Night game-drives are taboo in National Parks. However, because the Aberdare Country Club Game Sanctuary is on private land, guests enjoy this exciting form of game spotting, especially for nocturnal species such as aardvark, porcupine and leopard. Each landcruiser is fitted with powerful spotlights. Vehicles depart at 06.30 p.m., or 09.00 p.m. on request.

Fishing Safaris (full-day) The moorlands are a source of many fresh-water rivers that cascade from rugged slopes. Trekking up or downstream on river Honi, or waterfalls Chania, Karura and Gura, fishermen cast for the agile and swift Brown or Rainbow trout, using the popular "Royal Coachman" fly. Rods / flies can be hired. Licences will be arranged for you by Reception.

Salient Game Drive (half- or full-day) Only specially authorised vehicles are permitted to visit the Salient in the Aberdare National Park in an effort to conserve and protect the environment. This Park is home to elephant, rhino, buffalo, bush buck, giant forest hog, Sykes monkey, leopard and the rare bongo. An ornithologist’s paradise, sunbirds - tacazze, golden winged malachite, dainty double-collared and scarlet-chested - emerald Narina’s Trogon and the crowned eagle are a few of the species to sight. All the Aberdare Country Club’s vehicles are authorised to enter the Salient. Half- or full-day game drives can be arranged at reception.

Aberdare National Park (full-day)  Travelling through the Salient, you gradually climb in your vehicle to the National Park gate at a height of about 8000 feet. As you ascend, you see the vegetation change to tall cedars, Podo trees, thick Bamboo forest and varieties of Alpine trees. Wild mountain flowers bloom in a riot of colour. Profuse bird-life (including such species as the scarlet tufted malachite sunbird) reside here. Despite the dense vegetation, you may have glimpses of elephant, buffalo, zebra, colobus monkey and waterbuck. At 10,000 feet in the upper tundra region you see the majestic peaks of Mt. Kenya, Batian and Nelion.

Solio Ranch A half-day visit to this exclusive game ranch is available. The Game Ranch has large numbers of black and white rhino, leopard, lion, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, colobus and vervet monkey and plenty of other wildlife.

Sweetwaters Game Reserve:  Sweetwaters is the name adopted by the local people of this area for the fresh sweet water tapped from the ground. Located in typical savannah grasslands interrupted by the ‘Whistling Thorn’ shrubs, Acacia trees and lush green vegetation along the Uaso Nyiro River, this 24,000 acre rhino sanctuary is 15 km on an unpaved road from Nanyuki (good weather only).

Sweetwaters Chimp Sanctuary.  A 200-acre chimpanzee sanctuary has been set up at Sweetwaters Game Reserve, a 15-minute drive from Sweetwaters Tented Camp. A visit this Sanctuary and the 30-minute boat ride (subject to fine weather) on the river among the chimps is a must... The aim of the project, initiated by Lonrho East Africa, Kenya Wildlife Services and the Jane Goodall Institute, is to set up a colony where chimps can be introduced, rehabilitated and taught to fend for themselves in an area similar to their natural living conditions. Priority is given to orphaned and abused chimps. The Sanctuary currently has 24 chimps, including two babies born in the Sanctuary.

Gliding    Gliding at Mweiga Airstrip 3 miles from the Aberdare Country Club is available for either beginners or experienced gliders. This excursion is available every day except Monday. An independent company offers this exciting trip.

Our Food & Beverage facilities show you  that we can cater to your every wish, from the formal to the casual, inside or outside in the private 1300-acre sanctuary.

ACCOMMODATION

The Club has a total of 46 ensuite rooms, 20 of which are double-bedded and 28 twin-bedded. 38 of these rooms are in cottages with 2 bedrooms with interconnecting doors. All rooms (except nos. 1, 3, 4, 16 and 17) have fireplaces. Rooms nos. 2, 3 and 4 can be converted to triples. 9 extra beds are available.  The cottages are set to the left, right and behind the main building. Each room has a charming stonework exterior, over which colourful vines climb. Each room has a balcony with 2 easy chairs, and a superb view of either Mt. Kenya or the pretty woodland where bushbuck often come to graze.

Two double rooms are situated in the "Honeysuckle" cottage. This comprises two doubles plus an extra single room and is ideal for families.

Each room is furnished with bedside tables, dressing tables, built-in wardrobes, rugs, coffee tables and lounge chairs; a telephone; boiled water and glasses; umbrella and bible; a kettle and one-cup sachets of coffee, tea, milk and sugar.   Each bathroom has a 115\240 v shaving socket; a shower stall with a separate bath tub, a washbasin and flush toilets. Room 1 and rooms 7 to 17 have baths with shower attachments (no separate shower stalls); shampoo, bath and shower gel; freshly laundered towels; hot and cold running water.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE FACILITIES

Dining Room:    Located in the main building, the dining room is divided into 5 sections, 3 of which are inside and have fireplaces. Two verandahs (seating 50 and 16), have lovely views of the grounds and rolling hills beyond. The menu is a cosmopolitan combination of European, African and Asian dishes, made from the abundance of fresh Kenyan produce. A full vegetarian menu is available for all the meals. Both breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, while dinner is Table d’hôte, with a choice of main courses. Afternoon tea/coffee is served with pastries and cakes on the terrace. The dining room has a seating capacity of 220 people for lunch (including the terrace) 120 for breakfast and dinner. Opening hours are: Breakfast 0700 - 0930 hrs; Lunch 1245 - 1430 hrs; Tea 1600 - 1730 hrs; Dinner 2000 - 2130 hrs

Gura Bar:      Also located in the main building, next to the dining room, the Gura Bar has two fireplaces which are lit throughout cool days. Comfortable leather settees and velvet armoires are set in cosy sections, while bar stools surround the bar. Animal carvings and shields received from regiments who have visited the Club animate the bar, which also extends to the terrace. The Guru Bar offers liqueurs, beers, soft drinks, fresh juices, cocktails, wines, spirits, tea and coffee. Seating capacity is 60 people seated in the room, and the opening hours are 0800 - 1400 hrs and 1800 - 2200 hrs.

Swimming Pool Bar:      Located at the swimming pool, this bar is set on a raised platform with high stools, around the geometric bar and has a commanding view of the game sanctuary. This bar serves beverages and menu beers, soft drinks, and has an unlimited seating capacity. Its opening hours are 1000 - 1800 hrs.

Bush meals in the Sanctuary:      At the Club we cater for bush breakfasts, lunches and dinners, as well as picnics for groups starting from a minimum of 4 people. If you wish to try one of these meals, please contact us or ask at the Club Reception when you are staying with us. Menus comprise gourmet meals with hot and cold starters, main courses and delicious desserts, cheeses and tea or coffee to end with, and our chef is at hand to ensure everything is done to our high standards. Our waiters make sure that guests do not lack for anything.

CONFERENCE FACILITIES

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